An Analysis of the Role of Rostam Khan Gorji in the Iran-Ottoman Wars (1011-1045 AH): Van, Harsin, Hillah and Yerevan

Rostam Khan, as a Georgian slave, was one of the most influential figures in the military history of Safavid Iran. Thanks to his intelligence and ingenuity, he achieved the highest military position, namely Sepahsalari in the Safavid era and Sufi-like and devotedly defended the borders of the North West and West of Iran. The present study, taking a descriptive and analytical approach, seeks to explain the basic question of the picture Safavid sources depict of Rostam Khan's military action against the Ottomans in the areas of Van, Harsin, Hillah, and Yerevan. The main hypothesis of the research is that the available evidence shows a two-way relationship between Rostam Khan's knowledge of military skills and geographical location of the region, as well as his correct understanding of the intensity of Ottoman hostility to Safavids and their coveted things in Georgia. The findings, while confirming this claim, show that the historical presence of Rostam Khan and his victories in the mentioned wars helped to strengthen the security of the northwestern borders of Iran until the fall of the Safavid government. Moreover, the Ottomans were forced to give up the lands of Georgia and Azerbaijan in the Treaty of Zahab, and their military movements stopped in that area until the beginning of the Afghan invasion of Isfahan.